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20. The Touch of You
Last Updated:
2024-11-01 04:25:35
Priyal DessaiThis chapter is dedicated to my reader 'Kristin Dammacco'! Thank you for the gems! :) Dear readers, are you enjoying the story so far? What are you liking the most and what do you like the least? Let me hear it all in the comments! A single comment goes a long way in pushing the book on the app so more readers can find it. If you're feeling generous, please consider voting with gems!
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The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 21. Eyes on the Prize
The city stretches out in all directions, a sea of miniature buildings beneath me as I stand by the floor-to-ceiling windows in my father’s office, looking out. The early morning light bounces off the skyscrapers, adding a bit of shine to the greyness below, but I’m barely noticing. I cross my arms, sighing as I watch the clock on the wall. “So… he’s really not coming, huh?”I let the words hang in the air, half hoping for something, even if I knew better. I hadn’t tried reaching out to him — of course not. And he hadn’t given me the slightest hint he’d show up, so I have no reason to feel surprised. Still, some part of me, somewhere deeper than I’d care to admit, held onto the hope he’d at least check in on his only daughter. Ask if I was prepared or… something. Next to me, Meera gives a small, sympathetic nod, though she tries not to show how nervous she is. If anything, she looks more wound up than I feel. A knock at the door breaks the quiet, and I glance over as my father’s assi
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I act.I act, and pretend to be someone I’m not, because two minutes into the meeting I realise that I’m not very good at this. So I blend into someone who’s not Natalie Jones — a woman who knows what she’s doing, who’s confident about the proposed plan, who knows the ins and outs of how this works, because as much as I hate to admit to it, two days weren’t enough to prepare. This is not a movie scene where a newbie just shows up and silences the people in the room — who have years and years of experience over her just because she’s the main character. No. This is real life. And I may not have the miraculous power of knowing it all, but I do have the power to manipulate people. And by people, I mean men. Yes, I take up Ric’s shitty advice, even though I know he wasn’t serious about it… and I flip faces, putting up a soft but charming facade soon enough so it is subtle. And I flutter my lashes. Thank God for giving me beautiful eyelashes; I know others aren’t lucky enough. I play wit
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As I walk out into the parking lot, Ric follows me. There isn’t anything on his face that says he’s coming along, and if anything, he looks held back, his gaze darting around as if he’s worried someone will spot us together. The idea that he’s concerned about being seen should maybe make me second-guess myself, but instead, it makes me want to pull him in, my fingers itching to slide along the collar of his suit and pull him close, let him see that I’m as bold in real life as I was in his office that day.But there’s an understanding between us, I guess. And no, I’m not that reckless. I can’t be, because otherwise Meera will throw me off the edge of a cliff. This is still public, still my father’s domain, and if anyone saw us exchanging glances, it would be brushed off as professional camaraderie. After all, Richard Steward has worked with my father on several projects over the years, his presence at the office would hardly raise an eyebrow, or his intent to help me out on my first pro
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I turn back without a word, my hands curling into fists as I contain my anger at my father’s betrayal. After everything, I still believed he wouldn’t stoop so low and give shelter to the one man who insults his only living child with every breath. And yet, he did. But then my eyes meet Ric, and he’s watching me. I notice the subtle shake of his head as his jaw tightens. Drawing in a shuddering breath, I swallow hard. No. I can’t leave like this, can I? I can’t look weak.By the time I fix my gaze back on the party, they’ve all noticed our presence, their voices turned silent. “Well,” I manage, my voice colder than I intended, “isn’t this cozy?”Mike’s shoulders tense as he unwraps himself from his mistress’ arms and stands up rigidly. My father jerks his neck, still sitting, his face a mask of indifference. “Natalie,” Mike begins, his voice unsteady — his eyes widen, a flicker of delayed shock crossing his face as he takes in my presence, and Ric behind me. But then, just as quickly,
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“Your father has gone nuts,” Meera breathes once we’re out into the evening sun. The air has a chill, but it's nothing compared to the cold my heart has become. There’s so much anger in me right now that I’m afraid I might knock a few teeth out because of how hard I’m grinding my jaw. Ric isn’t here. He left. And that just makes it so much worse…Right? Or maybe not. I don’t think I’d want him to witness this madness that has taken over my father. “Can you pinch me, Meera?” I whisper, my voice barely audible, and she misses it. What just happened can’t be real. When I look down at my hands, I find them shaking visibly. Meera wraps an arm around me, making me roll my eyes. I don’t need comfort right now. I need to shoot a hole into my father’s chest as big as a basketball. Suddenly, I find myself thinking of my mother. Snippets of their arguments begin to flash in my mind, until a thought forms: she wasted her life on him. Maybe that’s what took her so early. The prick of tears in t
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I hand Chris a glass of wine, and we settle on the couch, the silence between us both awkward and comfortable. “So,” he says after a beat, swirling his glass, “you’re really back for good?”“Looks like it,” I reply. “Had to get a new phone just to make sure people could reach me again. And I’m getting back with my publicist. You remember Anya?”“Anya? Uh, hard to forget her,” he says with a grin, lifting his glass. “Welcome back to our world, Natalie.”We toast, and I take a sip, letting the wine ease the tension a little. There’s a pause, and then he says, “It’s… it’s good to see you. Hollywood’s not quite the same without Natalie Jones around to stir things up.”I smile, a little taken aback by the sincerity in his voice. “Thanks, Chris. But I think I’m going to prefer just Natalie from now on.”He blinks, weighing in the thought before he nods without asking more about it, and the quiet stretches out again, comfortable in a way I haven’t felt in a long time. I can tell he wants to s
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[Two years later]My body is slick with sweat, every nerve ending alive and tingling as Ric’s hands explore my skin. His touch still feels new, still ignites a thirst in me that has no desire to quench anytime soon. His lips trail down my neck, making me heave, making me almost lose my mind. I arch into him, my fingers digging into the muscles of his back, urging him closer. His hands roam over my body, tracing the curves of my hips, the softness of my thighs, and the sensitive spots that make me gasp with pleasure. He knows exactly how to touch me—he has mastered the art of how to make me feel alive and desired every breathing moment. His fingers find their way between my legs, teasing and stroking until I'm writhing beneath him, desperate for more.“Fuck, Ric. I love you,” I breathe, squealing. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”“You're so beautiful,” he murmurs against my wet folds before his lips capture mine in kiss so deep, I can’t tell where he ends and where I begin. He s
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 89. The End of a Nightmare
“Elliot Jones’ Empire Crumbles: A Closer Look at the Allegations.”“The Hidden Crimes of a Business Titan: Elliot Jones Exposed.”“Mogul Under Fire? The Double Life of Elliot Jones Revealed.”“The High Price of Power: Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Elliot Jones and His Web of Deceit.”“The Case That Shook the Nation: Elliot Jones’ Alleged Crimes.”Seeing my father stand there, looking helpless, his face tight and red with anger satisfies me in a way nothing else could. Today is the day he falls, and now, he can see it with his own eyes—his empire crumbling. The delusion is gone. Mike’s voice echoes through the courtroom. “I was threatened,” he says, eyes darting nervously toward Elliot. “I kept silent because I feared for my life.”I sit beside Ric in the rows reserved for the trial attendees, my heart pounding. Ric leans in, his voice low and teasing, “I can’t believe this is happening. How did you manage to pull that off?”I give him a sly smile, keeping my eyes on Mike.
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 88. A Deal With the Devil
Getting into Mike's office is surprisingly easy. I thought it would be the most difficult task of all, but now, standing here, I realize just how wrong I was. Maybe it’s because I made it happen—my own actions leading to the lack of staff and security. With investors pulling out, his new business flopping instantly, and even his car gone, I wonder just how deep in debt Mike really is.I look around the office, taking in the bare walls and the lack of personal touches. It’s a cold place. It gives me a sense of satisfaction, knowing how little work must happen here. The only thing I find remotely appealing is the fireplace—if you can even call it that. It’s more of a decorative piece than anything else.The door creaks open, and Mike steps in, freezing as his hand remains on the doorknob. His eyes widen when he sees me, and I can almost hear the gears turning in his head.“Relax,” I say softly. “No need to be on alert. I have a proposition for you.”He doesn't move, his eyes darting aro
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 87. My Protector, My Hero
“High-Stakes Drama: Friend and Business Partner Richard Steward Fires on Business Mogul Elliot Jones in Shocking Miami Lakehouse Incident.”“Ric Steward Shoots Elliot Jones to Protect Alleged Lover, and Jones’ Daughter in Lakehouse Scandal.”“Business Partnership Ends in Gunfire: Ric Steward Wounds Elliot Jones.”“It Gets Very Real and Gruesome: Hear what’s new in the Natalie Jones’ Drama.”“Where does Michael Cooper stand amidst all this? New updated in the chaotic life of Natalie Jones. Here’s everything you missed that shook Hollywood this Spring!”The weeks that follow are difficult. And lonely. I’m thrust into a routine where I spend most of my time surrounded by lawyers, and legal jargons. It’s a lot at once, and I think I underestimated how quickly it would consume me. And with only Meera by my side who is still recovering from the traumatic event that occurred at the lakehouse, I find myself sitting in therapy sessions after experiencing several panic attacks. My days are sp
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 86. Done Pretending
The rain-soaked air clings to my skin as the police car disappears down the road, taking Ric with it. My heart feels like it's been wrenched from my chest, leaving an empty, aching void. I can barely breathe as the reality of what just happened crashes down on me.We can’t stay here. The lakehouse is now a crime scene, and the officers made it clear we need to leave. The words still echo in my head: “This area is now under investigation. You’ll need to find somewhere else to stay.”Meera stands beside me, her face pale, clutching her phone like it’s a lifeline. Matt paces back and forth, still carrying the guilt on his face. I don’t think any of us had the slightest hint of something like this going down on a trip that was supposed to heal us. If anything, it has traumatised all of us beyond repair. But, the truth is out. Dad killed Neil. And he was so close to killing me and Ric…“We need to find a place,” I croak. Even if we could stay here, I wouldn’t, not with the memories of wh
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 85. Aiming for your Heart
Another gunshot goes off, a millisecond later. My eyes fly open, but there’s no sensation of pain anywhere in my body. Instead, Dad crumples to the ground with a cry of pain. Panic envelopes me, muddling my mind. I can barely understand what’s going on around me. “Natalie, are you okay?” someone seems to ask, but my gaze is fixed on Dad, watching him struggle as he clutches his leg that is now bleeding with the gunshot. Then that someone shakes me by the shoulders, drawing me back to reality. It’s Meera. “Nat, please say something!” she urges, tears streaming down her cheeks. “W-What happened?” I blurt out, sounding hysterical, my chest heaving dangerously. Meera points out at the door. Matt stands there with a gun in his hand. When his eyes meet mine, his hand drops, and he falls to his knees, breathing hard. Shaking my head, I yell, “What the fuck just happened?” Meera seems to still be in her senses. She kicks the gun out of Dad’s reach. He continues to squirm, his blood st
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 84. The Final Chance
I don’t know if I ever thought of the words I’d say to him when I saw him again after what Mike told me. But watching him stand there right now, looking smug, I know that no words will ever justify the pure rage I feel. There’s an overwhelming need to hurt him. Badly. A throbbing pain in my hand pulls me from my rage. As I unclench my fist, I see the bloody marks my nails have left in my palm.“What are you doing here, Natalie? Why come to the lake house?” Dad asks in a calm voice that has a dangerous edge to it. I feign innocence. “Why, Dad? Can’t I come take a vacation here? Considering I had a man try to nearly kill me, after I've been subject to public humiliation by my cheater husband who you’ve always welcomed with open arms?” Pausing, I draw in a breath, afraid that the anger I feel will crush my lungs. “I should be the one asking that question. Why are you here? You never cared to visit when Mom brought Neil and me here. Why come now? And why do you have my phone?”He shakes
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 83. Buried Secrets
The search of Neil’s room leaves us both drained and disheartened. I scrutinize every nook and cranny, explore every possible hiding spot. The floorboards groan under our weight as I lift the mattress, revealing nothing but dust and a few forgotten coins. Beneath the bed, there’s only a stray sock and a cobweb. The closet holds nothing but old clothes and a pair of worn-out shoes. Even the old dresser, heavy and reluctant, is moved away from the wall, revealing nothing more than a few dust bunnies and a forgotten book.We find nothing out of the ordinary—no hidden notes or mysterious objects. The futility and exhaustion overwhelm me. I glance at Ric and see disappointment etched on his face, a mirror of my own feelings. The room is a mess. Neil’s old clothes are strewn about, furniture askew, and the air thick with dust.I slump onto the edge of the bed, raking my fingers through my hair in frustration. The coolness of the room does little to soothe the heat of my irritation. “There ha
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 82. A Promise to Keep
“What are you saying, Chris?” I ask, my voice trembling slightly.He sighs, shaking his head. When he speaks again, his voice is low, almost embarrassed. “I should’ve known.”I press him further. “When did they say that?”“When Anya came to me with the fake dating idea,” he explains, running a hand through his hair. “She said it was… but that was a lie too. You never wanted this.”“What exactly did she tell you?” I ask, my heart pounding.He exhales sharply. “That you liked me but were too shy to act on it. And Meera, it was her who asked me to show up at your penthouse that night—before you left for the lakehouse.”I feel the ground shift beneath me. “Chris, I didn’t know they said that,” I mumble, the weight of his words sinking in.He shakes his head, disappointment evident in his eyes. “I can’t believe this. I thought I knew what was going on, but now…”The sting of his disappointment cuts deep. “I’m sorry, Chris. I never wanted to hurt you.”There’s a long pause before he finally
